Gov. Beebe declares disasters in 15 Ark. counties

Gov. Mike Beebe has declared 15 counties as disaster areas following strong storms across the state that included tornadoes and left five people injured.

Beebe announced the declaration Thursday - a day after the storm crossed Arkansas. The governor also announced that he's released $10,000from the Governor's Disaster Fund to help pay for the immediate costs of responding to the storms.

The declaration makes it easier for local governments to coordinate with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and other state agencies allows the local governments to better utilize Arkansas Department of Correction work crews to assist with debris removal.